Using the
Classics why film is not dead
Learn
The art of steel wool photography
How
Conceptual Photography
transforms your entire style
GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
Featured Photographer
Sarah Casmass
Explore
the colossus world of macro photography
Transform any lens into a
Macro Lens
with this easy tip
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GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
In This This
ISSUE Playing with Paint Powder Art Director Blake Embree
Featured Photo Series Head in the Clouds
Risk It All
Steelwool Photography
When Creativity & Simplicity Collide Bringing Film Back
Why darkroom film is still alive.
Featured Photographer Sarah Casmass
Colossus World
The art of Macro Photography
Meet the Creator
Designer & Photographer behind Gamma
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Playing with
Paint Powder Blake Embree is an up and coming a r t d i r e c t o r. W h i l e h e i s n o t a p h o tographer himself, he is able to craftfully build production teams to execute his vision.
a shoot for an issue named “Colour Explosion.” Another inspiration of his were two cinematographers who posted several slow motion videos o n Yo u Tu b e .
“ A n a r t d i r e c t o r ’s j o b i s s i m i l a r t o a d i re c t o r a n d p ro d u c e r o n a f i l m s e t , ” Embree said. “As the creative lead on the project, I assembled the appropriate people, coordinated the s h o o t a n d d i re c t e d , w i t h t h e p h o t o g r a p h e r ’s p r o f e s s i o n a l i n p u t , t h e f i n a l look of the photographs taken.”
“I had a very specific vision for the final photographs, however I am not a p h o t o g r a p h e r m y s e l f , ” E m b re e s a i d . “The main inspiration for this shoot in particular was actually not an artist but the Holi Festival in India.”
F o r t h i s p a r t i c u l a r s h o o t , E m b r e e ’s vision was unique and distinct. He was actually inspired by a photograp h e r f o r H a r r o d ’s M a g a z i n e w h o d i d
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By incorporating others gifts and talents, he was able to create what he h a d e n v i s i o n e d . I t t o o k t i m e , o rg a n i z a t i o n , p a t i e n c e a n d t r i a l a n d e r r o r, but the end product is trolly one of a kind masterpiece.
GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
GAMMA - Playing with Paint Powder
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D
esign is all around us, whether you are in the grocery store, driving down the road or window shopping. When Blake Embree saw how design influenced so much, his passion for it began to grow. “What really inspired me to pursue art was when I noticed the amazing ability of visuals to communicate beauty and truth without saying a word,” Embree said. “I saw it in everything from brands and store fronts to abstract paintings and EDM concerts. The power of design is incredibly impactful if used correctly and allows us to communicate with each other on a deeper, more human level.” Embree shared that much of his work is inspired by moder n European and Swiss designs. His artwork is also ins p i re d b y h i s e m o t i o n s . E m b re e stated that he feels emotion deeply and wants his artwork to reflect the same. In a world that is troubled, he tries to convey feelings of celebration or extreme energy through his pieces. “I don’t do subtle,” Embree said. “For that reason I actually draw inspirat i o n f ro m a l o t o f festival, event and concert branding because of its exciting and envelope pushing design. I strive to find a re a s o n t o b e j o y f u l a n d excited in life, and I want to create pieces that will influence others to do the same.”
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GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
GAMMA - Playing with Paint Powder
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RISK IT ALL
When looking through a lens, creativity cannot be limited. Often true creativity is accompanied by trial and error. Steel wool photography has become almost a rite of passage for most amateur photographers. In the past few years it has also become one of the most popular forms of pyrotechnic photography.
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GAMMA - Risk It All
W
hen children are young, many mothers tell them not to play with fire. Recently, a new trend, called steel wool photography presents fire in a whole new way.
“Today’s technique brings all these elements together in a way that creates beautiful, dramatic and unusual images,” Andrew Gibson, of Digital Photography School, said. “It’s called steel wool spinning. The photos may look complicated but in reality it is easy to try out if you have the right equipment, a willing partner and pay attention to safety.”
In order to create this, Gibson explains the tools that are necessary: steel wool (finer grades are best), a stainless steel whisk, strong rope, protective clothing, fire extinguishers, eye goggles, wide lens camera, a willing helper and calm weather. When looking at steel wool photographs, it is clear they are very dramatic. It might look intimidating but, Gibson explains that it is not difficult to do. “Steel wool spinning really is very simple,” Gibson said. “Simply stuff the steel wool inside the whisk (I use masking tape to hold it in place), set it alight with the cigarette lighter, and get your helper to whirl it around in a circular motion. The burning sparks of steel wool fly out and fall to the ground, creating bright orange trails of light.” There are many options in how to use your camera to capture steel wool photographs. Gibson recommends having a photographer manually take the picture. However, if there are no willing photographers, using a timer on the camera will work too. Gibson sees steel wool photography as an inspiring and a new way to view nature. “Ultimately, it’s another form of painting with light – the light from the burning steel wool illuminates the landscape in a new and interesting way,” Gibson said.
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W
hether you are a newer pho-
“With freelensing, you are disconnecting the lens from your
tographer or a pro, the perfect
camera and then tilting it ever so slightly to get a small
picture is always being sought
amount of your subject in focus,” Nienhuis said. “This is an
after. In a world that is so com-
especially tricky technique and will take a lot of practice but
petitive, it is not enough to
when you nail it, it’s worth it.”
take another headshot or cap-
ture the sun setting. Combining a creative outlook with the simplicity of a timeless photograph, speaks volumes. Creativity is essential for a photographer wishing to build their clientele and make their work known.
Freelensing gives the illusion that you are inside a dreamlike cloud. According to Holly Donovan, photographer, the images typically turn out blurred or partially blurred. Donovan’s defintion of freelensing is exposing an image while the lens is removed from the camera body. By hand
According to April Nienhuis, director of online media for
holding the lens close to the sensor and then moving the
Click Photo School, stated that there are many options to
lens in any direction will create a selective focus effect.
add originality with a hint of surprise into photography.
Donovan stated that photographers should begin freel-
Nienhuis recommends using everyday objects alongside of
ensing using a 50mm but then move to 35 mm lens and
professional equipment.
85 mm lens. These all produce different images that are
Tilt-shift lens are a wonderful lens for the photographer
interesting and unique.
looking to capture their subject in a new way. While tilt-shift
“Don’t be afraid to try different things,” Donovan said. “If
lenses are bit pricey, freelensing is cheaper and just as ef-
trying with a zoom, set the focal range to 50. Wide angle
fective Nienhuis says.
lenses don’t work well because of the curved glass, but
GAMMA - When Creativity & Simplicity Collide
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you can use them as a macro lens if you flip the lens around so that the front glass is facing the sensor. ‘Reverse freelensing’ acts like a magnifying glass if you get very close…I’m talking inches, from the subject.”
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speed, consider breaking out your tripod.” Another inexpensive way to add creativity to photography is using reflecting ponds, puddles, windows, mirrors, a glass of water or any other reflective ob-
Next, Nienhuis suggests using a fan. Fans have the
ject. Nienhuis states that using this trick is one of her
ability to literally blow new life into an image. “Re-
favorites. Photographers have the option to show bits
member to adjust your shutter speed based on if
of their personality through this technique. Nienhuis
you want to freeze motion or embrace it,” Nienhuis
also says that the photographer may choose to frame
said. “If you are planning on using a slow shutter
their subject or object using the reflection. Nienhuis
GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
recommends using a pair of eyeglasses in front of the
With so many ideas being thrown at photographers,
lens. This simple everyday object manipulates the
these few tips are a good place to start Nienhuis says.
light like a prism does. Nienhuis warns that the eyeglasses won’t produce the exact same manipulation of light like the prism does but it will be similar.
To learn more visit
www.AprilNienhuis.com
“If you have a bunch of old eyeglasses lying around like I do, grab a pair and then twist and turn them right in front of your camera lens to distort and manipulate the light,” Nienhuis said.
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GAMMA - Bringing Film Back
BRINGING
T
FILM BACK
here are many practices that seem archaic in the year of 2016, one of those practices is analog photography. However, while many believe this art has died out – that is a myth.
Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles that specializes in analog photography. Marvin Meister, store owner, stated that his work is split 60/40 favoring digital work but he is still able to do analog projects.
Analog photography is a form of photography that undergoes chemical changes via dark rooms according to the Analog Photography Users Group (APUG). They state that this method of developing pictures is still a vibrant means of innovation among creatives.
“I’ve been hearing that film would be dead in five years for the last 20 years,” Meister says.
LA Weekly highlighted a small shop on
GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
According to CNN, analog photography is picking up more popularity right now than ever before. Millennials are fascinated with making practices of the past, new again. They are reviving this art form.
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“Yet in the New York City metro area, there is a close-knit community of photographers, m e rc h a n t s , g a l l e r i e s , i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d d a r krooms that keep the art of analog photography quietly in practice,” Cubie King, CNN reporter, said. While digital sales have skyrocketed in the past few years, there is still a market for analog photography. Meister has seen this first hand in his store. While he no longer sells cameras, because most everyone has a camera or has access to one – whether that is a Canon, Nikon or iPhone, he still finds his analog business thriving. “Although digital sales mainly drive the store’s profit line, the store continues to sell everything film-related, from darkroom chemicals to beakers, loupes and print paper,” King said. Meister also offers classes to those wishing to lear n more about developing their own photos in a darkroom using chemicals. King also found a shop in New York, the Inter national Center for Photography, teaching the community about this practice as well. “The students quickly lear n that it takes more patience than they initially thought to work with analog film,” King said. “This patience is ear ned through hands-on experience with their negatives and in the darkroom and classroom discussions.” Both Meister and King add that analog photography takes dedication and practice. T h e re f o re , c o n t i n u e t o l e a r n , p r a c t i c e a n d k n o w t h e re i s a v i b r a n t c o m m u n i t y s u p p o r ting this art form. “ A n d l i k e t h e v a r i e t y o f s t e p s re q u i re d t o make that analog print, these practitioners, viewed as an amalgamation, form a community that continues to further the hist o r y, t r a d i t i o n a n d c r a f t o f a n a l o g p h o t o g r a p h y, ” K i n g s a i d .
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GAMMA - Bringing Film Back
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Featured Photographer Growing up in Long Island, New York, Sarah Casmass developed a deep love for the arts. However, during her teenage years she thought she would go to college, play soccer and major in fitness or health – she never dreamed she would be pursuing a career in art education. “I’m a planner, list-obsessed and chronic perfectionist,” Casmass said. “But it’s crazy because the Lord knew that in order for me to learn true surrender, He had to mess up my plans. Now, here I am, creating art and pursuing a degree I would have never imagined had you asked three years ago.” Casmass creates in all different mediums, acrylic, oils and photography, just to name a few. In her photography she tries to find the unique angle to highlight her subjects in the best manner. Ultimately, trying to preserve the mundane moments of life and relish their beauty. “With photography, I seek to capture the candid, precious moments that astonish me most and leave me in awe of the beauty I am only trying to reflect with a camera,” Casmass said. “When I create, I feel (the Lord’s) power working tangibly through me… It’s because of Him that I create and am inspired by His creation around me, and because of art that I feel closest to my Creator.” Most recently, Casmass was driving with her boyfriend and took a photo from the passenger seat. To her, that unsuspecting scene was sentimental and so meaningful. It’s the deeper, hidden purposes in photos she strives to capture.
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“But ultimately, I live for the moments that you can almost barely capture,” Casmass said. “The candid, sweet moments meant to enjoy and savor, whether it be through people, nature or travel- those are the ones I strive to capture the most.” Since Casmass’ photography is so personal to her, she believes it sets her photography a part from the rest. She specifically tries to make each photo feel airy and light by using her 50 mm lens. “I try to do most of the grunt work in the moment on camera when I take a shot so less has to be done later and the purity of the shot is preserved,” Casmass said. “This definitely separates my work apart from most photographers today, and I hope to always stay true to that pure, raw and romanticized vibe my photos have.” Casmass also shared that when taking pictures she tries to invite her audience in, she wants them to feel as if they are “invited” to partake in the moment. Casmass explained that she tries to live her life behind the camera in the same intentional way. She has come to understand that her life is not about herself but allowing the Lord to work through her and her gifts, like photography, to bring glory and honor to Himself. “Sarah Casmass is one of the most intentional and talented people I have ever met,” Lindsey Roberts, friend of Casmass’, said. “She goes out of her way to serve and minister to others … her selflessness and humility make her a naturally intentional person. She truly knows how to love others well.” “All together, my photography shows what I value, what inspires me, who I strive to be and a glimpse of the world as I see it,” Casmass said. “My biggest goal is that others would just feel welcomed along with me, so that they can admire and be left in awe as well of just how beautiful the world around us is and the people in it, that there is much to be celebrated and captured and as a result, such a mighty and wonderful God to be praised.” When asked which photographer inspired her most, Casmass stated without hesitation Kay English. English is an official photographer for Pinterest’s, “Style Me Pretty,” and one of Kleinfeld Bridals, “Say Yes to the Dress,” destination photographers. Casmass appreciates her style of wedding photography, how she captures each moment and attibutes her work to the Lord . To stay up to date with Casmass’ photography adventures and art endeavors, follow her on Instagram @sarahcasmass and look for her upcoming blog, The Colors of White, coming summer 2016.
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GAMMA - Conceptual Edition
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GAMMA - Colossus World
Colossus
World
Snapping the perfect shot is what everyone is after, now with macro photography is it becoming easier. “Now you can get down, dirty and close in the image capture business and make macro the digital way with a 100 per cent success rate,” Barrie Smith, Digital Photography School, said. Macro photography allows the naked eye to see microscopically. Now we can visibly see every detail of a tiny insect through a macro photography image. “In macro photography, a sharp image of a tiny object requires the lens to be positioned much closer still, with the lens moved even further out than for nor mal photography,” Smith said. According to Smith, in order to do this, a few extra pieces of equipment are needed. “In truth, you can make digital macro photography as basic or as complex as you wish it to be: even with a budget, $200-special digicam you can capture images of the tiny world before you, subjects as small as a matchbox, a match-head or even tinier,” Smith said. “The higher-priced compact digicams can do it even better, some offering macro shooting with a powerful zoom lens, so you can stand back a bit.” Smith has done a great deal of investigation and has concluded that most any compact digicams and most dSLRs have a macro mode. In order to have the best shot, Smith reminds photographers that in a macro mode control is lost over lens aperture and shutter speed. “The best macro photography — regardless of camera — requires that you use the smallest lens aperture to gain optimum image sharpness and depth of field,” Smith said. “Using a small lens aperture means you need more light, so you need to extend the exposure time to make a correctly exposed photograph.”
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GAMMA - Meet The Creator
Meet The
CREATOR
T
he brains and artistic eye behind Gamma Magazine is Garrett Shue.
Shue, a graphic designer and photographer, who tries push the bounda r i e s t o d r a w h i s re a d e r s i n . “The goal of this edition is to not do the typical, everyday photography but bump it up to the next level,” Shue said. Shue is always looking to incorporate new elements and techniques that cannot be found in nat u re , s u c h a s : steel
wool,
paint powder and smoke. While he loves
nature,
he
wants to present nature in a way that is unnatural t o c a t c h t h e v i e w e r ’s e y e .
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“A lot of my stuff is surreal,” Shue said. “Like the steel wool, it is done by leaving the shutter open longer than usual. B u t t h a t s h o w s f i re i n a n e w w a y t h a t can’t be seen with just the human eye.” T h e re a re m a n y p h o t o g r a p h e r s t h a t i n s p i re S h u e t o c re a t e s u r re a l a r t b u t t h e m a i n s o u rc e s o f i n s p i r a t i o n a re K y l e Thompson and Selena Drake. Both of these photographers take photos that push the viewer to experience emotions when examining their photos. In the s a m e w a y, S h u e h o p e s t o c o n v e y his feelings, thoughts and opinions through his work. S h u e g re w u p i n t h e typical family
American with
his
mom, dad and sister in North C a r o l i n a . D u ring his childhood he did not have much experience with art, but found it to be something
he
loved. It was not until he came to college and decided he
would
major
in
graphic design that he found his true passion. “ Tr a n s f o r m i n g t h i n g s e v e r y o n e c a n see on a daily basis and making them ascetically pleasing to the eye is what I e n j o y, ” S h u e s a i d . “ M y j o b i s t o m a k e people look good.” Currently, Shue resides in Lynchburg, Virginia and is a graphic d e s i g n e r f o r L i b erty University’s marketing department.
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GAMMA - Meet the Creator
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Credits & Recognition
It is with great pleasure that we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following individuals for their generous support and help in making this special edition of Gamma Magazine possible.
Garrett Shue
Lead of Design & Photography, for his vision and aesthetics of graphic design and photography that completed this special edition of Gamma Magazine.
Taylor Frost Lead Editor & Journalist, for her support in cataloging each article and assistance in reviews and edits throughout the entire publication.
Special Thanks Sarah Casmass, Lauren Dorr, Blake Embree, Jenna Green, Micayla Gibby, Kiera Hight, Adara Jensen, Abigail Michael, Lucas Moore, Jordan Ream & Genesis Yazon. Models & Crew, for their help in modeling and helping in photoshoots.